Ventrac 4500K User manual

OPERATOR’SMANUAL
Revised 02/18/13
09.10081
VENTRAC 4500K
VENTRAC 4500P
VENTRAC 4500Y
VENTRAC 4500Z

2
500 Venture Drive
PO Box 148
Orrville Oh 44667
www.ventrac.com
To the Owner
Contact Information and Product Identification
If you need to contact an authorized Ventrac dealer for information on servicing your product,
always provide the product model and serial numbers.
Please fill in the following information for future reference. See the picture(s) below to find the
location of the identification numbers. Record them in the spaces provided.
Date of Purchase: __________________________________________________________________
Dealer:___________________________________________________________________________
DealerAddress:____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Dealer Phone Number: ______________________________________________________________
Dealer Fax Number: ________________________________________________________________
Model# (A): ___________________________
Serial#(B): ____________________________
AffixPart/SerialNumber labelhere.
EngineSerial# (C) _________________________
Venture Products Inc. reserves the right to make changes
in design or specifications without obligation to make like
changes on previously manufactured products.
A
B
C
C
Vanguard
Vanguard
C
C
Kubota - front or side
Kubota - front or side
of valve cover
of valve cover
C
C
Kawasaki - front of
Kawasaki - front of
engine block
engine block

TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
INTRODUCTION PAGE 7
Product Description................................................................................................................................8
Why Do I Need an Operator’s Manual? .................................................................................................8
Using Your Manual.................................................................................................................................9
Manual Glossary ....................................................................................................................................9
Safety Decals.......................................................................................................................................10
SAFETY PAGE 13
General Safety Procedures..................................................................................................................14
Training Required.................................................................................................................................14
Personal Protective Equipment Requirements ....................................................................................14
Operation Safety ..................................................................................................................................14
Preventing Accidents............................................................................................................................15
Keep Riders Off....................................................................................................................................15
Operating On Slopes............................................................................................................................16
Roadway Safety...................................................................................................................................16
Truck Or Trailer Transport ....................................................................................................................16
Maintenance.........................................................................................................................................17
Fuel Safety...........................................................................................................................................17
Hydraulic Safety...................................................................................................................................18
Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) ................................................................................................19
Operator Access System......................................................................................................................19
Propane Safety (if applicable)..............................................................................................................20
Operator Safety Interlock System ........................................................................................................21
OPERATIONAL CONTROLS PAGE 22
Standard Operational Control Locations..............................................................................................22
Optional Operational Control Locations ...............................................................................................23
Information Cluster Gauge (A) .............................................................................................................24
Warning Cluster Gauge (B)..................................................................................................................24
Warning Alarm (C)................................................................................................................................24
Ignition Switch (D) ................................................................................................................................24
Throttle Lever (E) .................................................................................................................................25
Headlight Switch (F).............................................................................................................................25
Power Take Off (PTO) Switch (G) ........................................................................................................25
Choke Handle (H) ................................................................................................................................25
Parking Brake (I) ..................................................................................................................................25
Neutral Assist Lever (J)........................................................................................................................25
Front Hitch Lever Lock (K) ...................................................................................................................25
Front Hitch Latch Lever (L) ..................................................................................................................25
Auxiliary Hydraulic Quick Couplers (M)................................................................................................25
PTO Belt Tensioner Rod (N) ................................................................................................................26
High/Low Shift Lever (O)......................................................................................................................26
Weight Transfer Traction Control Select Lever (P)...............................................................................26
SDLA Control Lever (Q & R) ................................................................................................................26
Steering Wheel (S)...............................................................................................................................27

TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
Hydraulic Cooler Fan Switch (T) ..........................................................................................................27
Seat Slide Lever (U).............................................................................................................................27
Fuel Shut-off Valve (V) .........................................................................................................................27
Circuit Breaker & Battery Disconnect (W) ............................................................................................27
Seat Prop Plate (X) ..............................................................................................................................27
Seat Latch Strap (Y).............................................................................................................................27
Work Light Switch (AA) ........................................................................................................................27
Strobe Light Switch (BB)......................................................................................................................27
Slope Indicator Gauge (CC).................................................................................................................27
Slope Warning Light (DD) ....................................................................................................................27
Directional Signal Switch (EE) .............................................................................................................28
Hazard Flasher Switch (FF) .................................................................................................................28
Gas/Propane Selector Switch (GG) .....................................................................................................28
Horn Switch (HH) .................................................................................................................................28
Front Hitch Valve (II) ............................................................................................................................28
Foot Pedal (JJ).....................................................................................................................................28
3 Point Hitch & Rear Auxiliary Control Handles (KK, LL, & MM)..........................................................29
Rear Auxiliary Quick Couplers (NN).....................................................................................................29
12 Volt Rear Switches & 4-Pin Socket (OO, PP, & QQ).......................................................................29
12 Volt Front Switches & 4-Pin Socket (RR, SS, & TT) .......................................................................29
Electric PTO Remote Socket (UU).......................................................................................................29
Back Up Alarm (VV) .............................................................................................................................29
GENERAL OPERATION PAGE 30
Daily Inspection....................................................................................................................................30
Starting The Engine .............................................................................................................................30
Forward And Reverse ..........................................................................................................................32
Stopping The Power Unit .....................................................................................................................32
Shutting Off The Engine.......................................................................................................................32
Attaching ..............................................................................................................................................32
Detaching.............................................................................................................................................33
Operating Attachments.........................................................................................................................33
Front Hitch............................................................................................................................................33
PTO Drive Belt & Pulley.......................................................................................................................33
Front Auxiliary Couplers.......................................................................................................................33
Weight Transfer....................................................................................................................................33
High/Low Range...................................................................................................................................34
Turning Radius.....................................................................................................................................34
Roll-Over Protection System................................................................................................................34
3 Point Hitch (Optional Accessory).......................................................................................................35
12 Volt 4-Pin Auxiliary Outlets (Optional Accessory)............................................................................35
Directional/Hazard Flasher Operation (Optional Accessory)................................................................35
Suspension Seat Weight Adjustment (Optional Accessory).................................................................35
Operating On Slopes............................................................................................................................36
Towing Or Pushing The Power Unit .....................................................................................................36

TABLE OF CONTENTS
5
SERVICE PAGE 37
Service And General Maintenance.......................................................................................................37
Cleaning And Appearance Care...........................................................................................................37
Service Access Points..........................................................................................................................37
Lubrication Locations...........................................................................................................................38
Checking Hydraulic Oil Level...............................................................................................................39
Checking Rear Transaxle Oil ...............................................................................................................39
Changing Hydraulic Oil And Filters ......................................................................................................39
Servicing Closed Loop Hydrostatic Drive Circuit..................................................................................39
Servicing Hydraulic Oil Cooler .............................................................................................................39
Checking Engine RPM.........................................................................................................................39
Checking Engine Oil Level...................................................................................................................40
Changing Engine Oil And Filter............................................................................................................41
Changing Air Filter Elements................................................................................................................42
Filling The Fuel Tank............................................................................................................................42
Changing The Propane Cylinder(s)......................................................................................................43
Checking The LPG System For Leaks.................................................................................................43
Changing The In-line Fuel Filter...........................................................................................................44
Priming The Fuel System.....................................................................................................................44
Fuel Care for 4500Z with Propane Option ...........................................................................................44
Checking The Fan (Alternator) Belt (Kubota Engines).........................................................................44
Adjusting Fan (Alternator) Belt Tension (Kubota Engines)...................................................................44
Cleaning Engine Compartment & Engine ............................................................................................45
Servicing The Cooling System.............................................................................................................45
Checking The Cooling System.............................................................................................................46
Cleaning The RadiatorAnd Screen......................................................................................................46
Draining The Cooling System ..............................................................................................................46
Flushing The Cooling System..............................................................................................................47
Servicing The Battery...........................................................................................................................47
Removing The Battery .........................................................................................................................48
Installing The Battery ...........................................................................................................................48
Cleaning The Battery And Terminals....................................................................................................48
Charging The Battery...........................................................................................................................48
Jump Starting Procedure .....................................................................................................................49
TCM (Tractor Control Module) Explanation .........................................................................................49
Replacing Fuses (Power Relay Module)..............................................................................................49
Replacing Fuses (Front Fuse Panel) ...................................................................................................50
Replacing Fuses (Rear Fuse Panel)....................................................................................................50
Replacing Fuses (Engine)....................................................................................................................51
Replacing Light Bulbs (Headlights & Work Lights)...............................................................................51
Replacing The Taillights.......................................................................................................................52
Replacing The Turn Signal Lights........................................................................................................52
Replacing The Strobe Light Bulb .........................................................................................................52
PTO Belt Inspection.............................................................................................................................52
PTO Belt Tension Adjustment ..............................................................................................................53
PTO Belt Replacement ........................................................................................................................53

TABLE OF CONTENTS
6
Wheel Removal & Installation..............................................................................................................53
Outer Dual Wheel Removal & Installation............................................................................................54
Tire Pressure........................................................................................................................................54
ROPS And Seat Belt Inspection...........................................................................................................55
Parking Brake Inspection & Adjustment...............................................................................................55
Neutral Adjustment...............................................................................................................................56
Neutral Switch Adjustment...................................................................................................................57
Storage.................................................................................................................................................58
4500K Maintenance Schedule.............................................................................................................60
4500K Maintenance Checklist..............................................................................................................61
4500P Maintenance Schedule.............................................................................................................62
4500P Maintenance Checklist..............................................................................................................63
4500Z & 4500Y Maintenance Schedule...............................................................................................64
4500Z & 4500Y Maintenance Checklist...............................................................................................65
TROUBLESHOOTING PAGE 66
Electrical Troubleshooting Using The Tractor Control Module (TCM)..................................................66
Electrical Troubleshooting Guide .........................................................................................................68
Engine..................................................................................................................................................69
Electrical...............................................................................................................................................70
Hydraulic..............................................................................................................................................71
Power Unit............................................................................................................................................72
SPECIFICATIONS PAGE 73
Engine..................................................................................................................................................73
Electrical...............................................................................................................................................73
Power Train..........................................................................................................................................73
Controls & instrument Panel ................................................................................................................73
Other features......................................................................................................................................73
Dimensions ..........................................................................................................................................74
Fluid Capacities....................................................................................................................................74
Belt Chart.............................................................................................................................................75
WARRANTY PAGE 76

Introduction - 7
INTRODUCTION
Venture Products Inc. is pleased to provide you with your new
Ventrac power unit! We hope that Ventrac equipment will
provide you with a ONE Tractor Solution.
Listed below are just some of the items that can provide you
versatility as you use your 4500. Please visit our web site, or
contact your authorized Ventrac dealer for a complete list of
items available for your new power unit.
Accessories
Item Description Part Number
Accessories
Item Description Part Number
Three Point Hitch 70.4100 Weight Transfer Kit (4500K only) 70.4115
Dual Wheels (All Terrain Tires) 70.4067 4500K Accessory Option Kit (Factory Install only) 70.4116-99
Dual Wheels (Turf Tires) 70.4068 Raised Foot Platform Kit 70.4108
Dual Wheels (Bar Tires) 70.4069 Electric PTO Remote Kit 70.4106
Wheel Extensions 70.4098 12 Volt Front Kit 70.4104
Weather Cab 70.2009 12 Volt Rear Kit 70.4105
Propane Kit (4500Z Kubota Gas Engine only) 70.4110 Horn Kit 70.4120
Foot Control Kit 70.4107 ES220 Spreader 39.55500
Suspension Seat 70.4111 SS575 Salt Spreader 70.2010
Backup Alarm Kit 70.4101 Rear Counter Weight Bar 39.56116
Front Hitch Valve Kit 70.4121 Two -N-One Front Hitch 70.2001
Work Light Kit 70.4113
Strobe Light Kit 70.4114
Directional / Hazard Signal Kit 70.4119
Slope Indicator Kit 70.4112
Attachments
Item Description Part Number
Attachments
Item Description Part Number
Aerator with Open Spoon Tine 39.55490 Stump Grinder 39.55300
Aerator with Slitter/Slicer Tine 39.55492 Terra Rake - 52” 39.55431
Aerator with Coring Tine 39.55494 Tiller 39.55220
AeraVator (seeder kit available) 39.55460 Tough Cut Mower - 68” 39.55104
Blade - 48” 39.55251 Trencher 39.55455
Blade - 60” 39.55252 Turbine Blower 39.55340
Blade - 72” 39.55253 V-Blade 39.55271
Blower 39.55440 Versa-Loader 39.55600
Broom 39.55400 Reel Mower - 74” 39.55130
Edger 39.55330 Rear Discharge Mower - 60” 39.55120
Excavator - 30” 39.55236 Contour Mower - 84” 39.55160
Excavator - 48” 39.55230
Finish Mower - 60” 39.55105
Finish Mower - 72” 39.55106
Finish Mower - 72” (6-1/2” offset) 39.55107
Generator - 15,000 Watt 39.55315
Power Rake 39.55435
Slip Scoop - 30” 39.55216
Slip Scoop - 48” 39.55210
Snow Blower 39.55427
Sod Cutter 39.55520

INTRODUCTION
Introduction - 8
Product Description
The Ventrac 4500 tractor combines All Wheel Drive and an articulating chassis with a low center of gravity
to provide superior traction, braking, stability, and security on tough terrain and slopes without disturbing
turf when turning. The attachment is placed out front in natural view, offering greater precision, as well as
maximum protection for the operator.
Ventrac’s patented SDLA control, located next to the operator, allows for easy control of Speed, Direction,
Lift, and Auxiliary functions with one hand.
Standard features include:
• a fold down roll bar.
• a computer controlled onboard diagnostic system for the electrical circuits.
• a wiring harness that is pre-wired for optional accessories.
• an electronic instrument panel that includes a tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, hour meter, and
temperature gauge.
• a six function warning gauge and alarm that includes engine coolant temp, hydraulic oil temp, engine oil
temp, low voltage, low engine oil pressure, and parking brake indicator.
• a complete electrical system circuit breaker and battery disconnect.
• an automotive pull style park brake.
• a hydraulic oil cooler with a thermostatically controlled, reversible fan.
Why Do I Need an Operator’s Manual?
This manual has been created to help you gain the important knowledge of what is needed to safely
operate, maintain, and service your machine. It is divided into sections for convenient reference of the
appropriate section.
You must read and understand the operator’s manual for each piece of Ventrac equipment you own. Read-
ing the operator’s manual will help you become familiar with each specific piece of equipment. Under-
standing the operator’s manual will help you, as well as others, avoid personal injury and/or damage to the
equipment. Keep this manual with the machine at all times. The manual should remain with the machine
even if it is sold. If this manual becomes damaged or unreadable, it should be replaced immediately. Con-
tact your local Ventrac dealer for a replacement.
When using a Ventrac attachment, be sure to read and follow the safety and operating instructions of both
the power unit and the attachment being used to ensure the safest operation possible.
The information in this manual provides the operator with the safest procedures to operate the machine
while getting the maximum use out of the unit. Failure to follow the safety precautions listed in this manual
may result in personal injury and/or damage to the equipment.

INTRODUCTION
Introduction - 9
Using Your Manual
Throughout this manual, you will encounter special messages and symbols that identify potential safety
concerns to help you as well as others avoid personal injury or damage to the equipment.
ATTENTION
This symbol identifies potential health and
safety hazards. It marks safety precautions.
Your safety and the safety of others is involved.
SYMBOL DEFINITIONS
There are three signal words that describe the level of safety concern: Danger, Warning, and Caution.
Safety should always be the #1 priority when working on or operating equipment. Accidents are more likely
to occur when proper operating procedures are not followed or inexperienced operators are involved.
Note: Right-Hand and Left-Hand orientations may be referred to at different places throughout this manual.
Right-Hand and Left-Hand is determined as if sitting on the power unit seat facing forward.
SIGNAL WORD DEFINITIONS
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury. This signal word is limited to the
most extreme cases.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury and/or property damage. It may
also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Manual Glossary
Power Unit A Ventrac tractor or other Ventrac engine powered device that may be operated by itself or
with an attachment or accessory.
Attachment A piece of Ventrac equipment that requires a Power Unit for operation.
Accessory A device that attaches to a Power Unit or Attachment to extend its capabilities.
Machine Describes any “Attachment” or “Accessory” that is used in conjunction with a power unit.

SAFETY
Safety - 10
Safety Decals
The following safety decals must be maintained on your Ventrac 4500 power unit.
Keep all safety decals legible. Remove all grease, dirt, and debris from safety decals and instructional
labels. If any decals are faded, illegible, or missing, contact your dealer promptly for replacements.
When new components are installed, be sure that current safety decals are affixed to the replacement
components.
E
E
G
G
H
H
J
J
K
K
A
A
B
B
C
C
D
D
E
E
F
F
M
M
M
M
Directional/Hazard Light Kit
Directional/Hazard Light Kit
L
L
Vanguard Air Cooled Engine only
Vanguard Air Cooled Engine only